A Little Nostalgia

... from years ago.

The "Original" Conover web page has been a success from the start. Before the City of Conover had its own web page, I have tried to provide the material that folks are interested in. Along with photos provided by Don Barker, I hope readers of these pages will enjoy what Conover residents have come to love.

And now, with all the wonderful coments I have received,
I'd like to share some of these bits of nostalgia with you.
I urge anyone who has memories of the Conover of yore to share their recollections. I'll be happy to post the most interesting ones here.

"The Adventures of Setzer's Super Jeep"

  In Conover, the first large market was Setzer's Supermarket, owned by J. Ray Setzer. Last time I was in Conover, one could still see part of the sign on the side of the building on Main St.    In late 1948, Ray bought a brand new 1949 Willys Jeep, Black in color. The driver was to be John Barkley, who had been working in the store as a stockman. Setzer's was the first grocery store that began delivering food in the area.   On Saturday morning, I would hear brakes squealing and a "Beep Beep" !! in front of our house, which was directly behind the Clinic. The Jeep horn must have been the inspiration for the Road Runner's beep.  I would go out and get in the Jeep, and ride with Barkley while he delivered groceries, which include sacks of feed.  A customer in the store, once mentioned to John that he wanted the feed one of those "Checkered Sacks".. The sack was actually covered with small flower prints.  After this error, we called all feed sacks "Checkered".. People used these feed sacks to make clothing .    At the delivery point, I would help carry groceries into the house.  The occupants would sometimes stand by, impressed by the act of delivery...Ain't been done before!.. I think sometimes, the people would mention they were not home, but put the groceries inside, as they left the door unlocked. ( This was a normal. At the time, one could walk down the main drag in Conover, and see most of the parked cars with windows down,and ignition keys in their locks...)   After unloading, Barkley would drive around for a bit. Many areas of road would get very muddy, and John did his best to get the Jeep stuck in the red mud...Red mud is viscous stuff , as anyone who has experienced the trials of driving in it knows.  Never did the Jeep get stuck...or give any trouble. On one these excursion out on Highway 16, we turned onto a dirt road, and I got behind the wheel. I'd been learning to drive.. Didn't do too well this time, as I damn near hit a Hay Rake on side of the road.  Whooeee !!  Shook me up...! At a later time, McRee's Grocery purchased a surplus military Jeep, and painted it Silver.  So, Conover had 2 Jeeps. One Halloween, some trick or treaters got the Super Jeep on J. Ray's front porch.. Don't know how they did it. J. Ray lived on the north side of the old Concordia Campus..   J. Ray Setzer was another Character.   Clarence Canrobert and I used to do some caddying  for Doc. Cloninger, and J. Ray. Both were quick witted, and always cracking wise.  Them wuz the good times !!  

... Walt Grigg 

Derick S. Hartshorn - ©2008
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